Humana DNA Topoisomerase Protocols: Volume I: DNA Topology and Enzymes: 94 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 94)

Beginning with the Escherichia coli co protein, or bacterial DNA topoisomerase I, an ever-increasing number of enzymes has been identified that catalyze changes in the linkage of DNA strands. DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous in nature and have been shown to play critical roles in most p- cesses involving DNA, including DNA replication, transcription, and rec- bination. These enzymes further constitute the cellular targets of a number of clinically important antibacterial and anticancer agents. Thus, further studies of DNA topology and DNA topoisomerases are critical to advance our und- standing of the basic biological processes required for cell cycle progression, cell division, genomic stability, and development. In addition, these studies will continue to provide critical insights into the cytofoxic action of drugs that target DNA topoisomerases. Such mechanistic studies have already played an important role in the development and clinical application of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents. The two volumes of DNA Topoisomerase Protocols are designed to help new and established researchers investigate all aspects of DNA topology and the function of these enzymes. The chapters are written by prominent investigators in the field and provide detailed background information and st- by-step experimental protocols. The topics covered in Volume I; DNA Topology and Enzymes, range from detailed methods to analyze various aspects of DNA structure, from linking number, knotting/unknotting, site-specific recombi- tion, and decatenation to the overexpression and purification of bacterial and eukaryotic DNA topoisomerases from a variety of cell systems and tissues. Review "...an invaluable practical aid. The central and expanding role of these enzymes in basic cell biology together with their important pharmaceutical applications will ensure that book will remain relevant for some years to come."-Cell Biology International 2000 "The introductory chapter by the editors gives a beautifully brief and concise overview of the entire family of DNA topoisomerases and related enzymes and can be used as an Ariadne's thread to the key papers of the field. Another useful item is the appended compendium of topoisomerase sequences, which is likely to be helpful in designing expression vectors, deletion mutants, etc. Most of the other chapters contain a lot of useful information and easily followed procedures.a very valuable addition to the topoisomerase literature. It summarizes a lot of useful information for those engaged or getting engaged in research on DNA topology or topoisomerases. Those just wanting to carry out some of the analytical procedures will in most cases find what they need, i.e. a concise delineation of the analytical background, some detailed and easy to follow protocols, and a comprehensive guideline for the interpretation of the results. As such, the book definitely deserves a place on many laboratory shelves"-FEBS Letters "The introductory chapter is one of the most concise and clearly presented summaries of our current knowledge that has been written, and it will be useful even for experts in the field....The volume concludes with a well-organized and useful compendium of toposomerase DNA sequences. Volume I is clearly a valuable source of methodological expertise for anyone studying topoisomerases."-New Biological Books "...We recommend greatly this remarkable book to all our readers, without exception." - Cellular and Molecular Biology From the Back Cover DNA Topoisomerase Protocols, I: DNA Topology and Enzymes brings together an unprecedented collection of cutting-edge experimental protocols for investigating DNA structure, topology, and DNA topoisomerase function. Described by expert experimentalists who have perfected the techniques, these unfailingly reproducible methods utilize new approaches to study changes in DNA topology (linking number, knotting, catenati